Oral prostaglandin E2 for induction of labour at term.

A low dose regimen of prostaglandin E2 tablets, 0.5 mg hourly for up to 10 doses, was used in an attempt to induce labour without prior amniotomy in 69 patients between 35 and 44 weeks gestation. The induction was considered successful if the patient delivered within 36 hours after therapy began. The success rate was 62 percent. The incidence of undesirable side effects was low and no serious fetal complications were related to treatment.